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17/01/2008 10:19

Zigic Earns Valencia Stay While Morientes Could Go Smile

Nikola Zigic has won himself a reprieve at Valencia after scoring five goals in the last month, but Fernando Morientes could be on Ronald Koeman's blacklist.

The giant Serbian striker netted another goal in Los Ché's Copa del Rey win against Real Betis on Wednesday and is thought to have won over the Dutch coach.

Koeman drew up a list of players that he told the board could leave in January as well as freezing out Santi Cañizares, David Albelda and Miguel Ángel Angulo.

Zigic was on that list and reports suggested that new Real Sociedad president, Iñaki Badiola, was preparing to make a sizeable offer for the former Racing Santander forward.

A number of English clubs have also been linked with Fulham said to have registered their interest, along with Bolton Wanderers and Manchester City.

But Koeman now wants Zigic to stay after he has impressed up front thanks to the spate of injuries that the club has endured.

Morientes may have been added, however, according to reports in Spain as the clear-out looks set to speed up as January progresses.

Miguel has already fallen out of favour with Koeman for refusing to tone down his nightlife and he has also been linked with a move to the Premier League.

The news of the new coach's planned changes was met with surprise at first in Valencia, but the recent improvement in performances has brought him time and patience.

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